Accounting Software

Randyleprechaun

Hi,

I'm looking at getting basic accounting package to keep accounts for an electrical contracting business.

Just wondering if anyone knows if Sage One would be suitable or if any other sage product would be better, or a product from some other company.

My business will be a mix of supplying labour only and labour/materials. Also VAT registered.

Any advice appreciated

Thanks

capefear

I have tried most accounting software both online and offline and my choice would be Sage Line 50 cant be beaten €175 + vat and it does everything most small business need plus very user friendly.

But before you buy, try the various software for 30 days and see which one you prefer using. Also have a look at this blog from sage its ten things to think about before you pick accounting software.
http://www.sage.ie/blog/index.php/accounting-software-business-2/

if you want to use online software as the cloud accounts is the buzz word at the moment, Xero would be my choice but at around £27 a month it adds up.

Im have no ties to sage, just a user for 15years and always recommed it to people as it does everything you need.

HTH

Sage: Lorna

Sage One will be suitable for a small business looking to handle the basics such as invoicing, VAT, creditor and debtor management and reporting. The benefit of Sage One is the low cost as you pay monthly. Also the software is online meaning you can access from any mobile device and don't have to worry about backup routines and hardware.

The Instant and Sage 50 range are the desktop accounting packages. Instant Accounts is the entry level and would be similar feature wise to Sage One accounts. You can start with Instant Accounts and upgrade if you need more functionality over time to Instant Accounts Plus or to the Sage 50 range while bringing all of your data with you. If you will need functionality such as stock control, departmental analysis, foreign currency or project costing Sage 50 would be the product to look at.

I would suggest to take a look at the products to help you to gauge which will best suit your needs. There is a 30 day trial of Sage One available at www.sageone.ie. For Sage 50, there is a TestDrive available on the website at http://www.runaware.com/clients/sageie/?app=50accounts

If you have any other questions I am happy to help
Lorna

thomlin

I would suggest you make a list of what you need before you try any software.

Sage Instant for example doesn't allow you to print invoices off so you have to upgrade the software to the next option of that software or else do them manually outside of Sage.

I can't say for sure but I think it just provides basic reporting so depending on how much reports you need to generate in a month etc bear this in mind also.

I can't say the same for Sage one as I haven't used it, but usually the cheaper the price the more limited the package.

Tom

smeharg

I'd recommend an online solution. There are loads to choose from and you can try most for free without having to install any software. You don't need to worry about back-ups and your accountant can also access (which eliminates the problem of different versions flying back and forth).

Sage: Lorna

thomlin wrote: »

Sage Instant for example doesn't allow you to print invoices off so you have to upgrade the software to the next option of that software or else do them manually outside of Sage.

I can't say for sure but I think it just provides basic reporting so depending on how much reports you need to generate in a month etc bear this in mind also.

Sage Instant Accounts allows you to record invoices in two ways:

1. By recording an invoice on account. You would use this method if you had already written up the invoice manually and just want to add the balance and transaction to a customer account.

2. By creating an invoice, adding your products and/or services to it and then either printing and posting it or emailing it to your client.

Instant accounts also includes a wide range of reports including aged debtors, aged creditors, trial balance, profit & loss and balance sheet.

More information can be found here:

http://www.sage.ie/sage-instant-accounts

In terms of Sage One Accounts it too will allow you to create invoices and run reports. It is online, pay monthly and includes 24/7 support. The best thing to do would be to sign up for the 30 day trial at www.sageone.ie

In terms of selecting an accounts product the non product specific guide in the attached link may be of assistance in terms of factors to consider before choosing the solution that best suits your needs:

http://www.sage.ie/blog/index.php/accounting-software-business-2/

scwazrh

As far as I know sage one doesn't handle Rct which you will need if working in the construction industry.also you would need to check does it handle rcv.i use sortmybooks online which handles the above plus gives job coatings.the only problem I find is their customer service is very poor in my experience .

Sage: Lorna

If you are looking at Sageone and Instant accounts I am assuming that you are a subcontractor.



In this case it would be up to the principal to register for RCT, and you simply need to deal with reverse VAT. This will only apply if you are working as a subcontractor, in construction and resident in Ireland.


In Instant accounts, there are already reverse VAT codes set up, just use this VAT code and it does everything automatically, be you principle or subcontractor. Sage One doesn't have the reverse VAT code yet, but you could manually adjust the VAT.

If you do want to withhold any of the invoice, ie. Retention, there is a simple work around involving a credit note and setting up another nominal code for RCT tax.

SK76

Look at sage line 50 and the big red book. However before u do anything ask your accountant for advice. If he can use it from software he as for generating reports etc then it should result in lower accountancy fees if he prepares the accounts - don't forget to remind him/her when the end of year fee arrives, how you made his life easier

Randyleprechaun

I thought it was the principle contractor who has to deal with the reverse VAT

Sage: Lorna wrote: »

If you are looking at Sageone and Instant accounts I am assuming that you are a subcontractor.



In this case it would be up to the principal to register for RCT, and you simply need to deal with reverse VAT. This will only apply if you are working as a subcontractor, in construction and resident in Ireland.


In Instant accounts, there are already reverse VAT codes set up, just use this VAT code and it does everything automatically, be you principle or subcontractor. Sage One doesn't have the reverse VAT code yet, but you could manually adjust the VAT.

If you do want to withhold any of the invoice, ie. Retention, there is a simple work around involving a credit note and setting up another nominal code for RCT tax.

Sage: Lorna

It does mainly affect the principle subcontractor. However if you are not the principle you charge 0 VAT and put a mandatory piece of text on the invoice that says VAT is liable to the principle.

Sage Instant Accounts and Sage 50 will put the piece of text on the invoice if you use the correct Reverse VAT VAT code to distinguish from other zero Vat rates